Unidentified gunmen kidnap police officers after mine clearance operation in remote area
The police are investigating. Photo: (file)/Ramzan Seemab
Unidentified armed terrorists on Wednesday kidnapped seven police personnel, including the in-charge of Sararogha Police Station in the volatile South Upper Waziristan district.
Among the kidnapped officials are SHO Ahmad Shah and two members of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU). Others are driver Hazrat Umar, gunner Tariq, gunner Kaleem, gunner Abdullah Shah and BDU personnel Abdul Razzaq and Ibrahim.
District Police Officer (DPO) Arshad Khan said a police team accompanied by BDU was sent to remote Partogai area of Sararogha tehsil to neutralize suspected unexploded explosive materials.
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After successfully clearing the explosives and completing the operation, the team was returning to the police station in an official vehicle when unidentified gunmen intercepted them, took the staff members hostage and transferred them to an unknown location.
According to police sources, the kidnapping took place around six kilometers from the Sararogha police station. Initial reports suggest the attackers were in ambush and struck as the team was returning after completing their mission.
Immediately after receiving information about the incident, police and security forces launched a massive search operation in the area. Roadblocks were established on major mountainous roads and at entry and exit points to restrict the movements of the kidnappers.
“Safe recovery of the abducted personnel is our top priority,” DPO Khan said. “All available resources are being used for this purpose. We have also registered a formal case and investigation is underway from multiple angles.”
Read also: Second policeman kidnapped near Peshawar border
The incident caused great concern among the local population. Tribal elders, community leaders and civil society representatives have urged the government and security agencies to take immediate and effective measures for the speedy and safe release of the kidnapped officers.
The kidnapping comes amid a notable upsurge in terrorism and lawlessness in Upper South Waziristan over the past two weeks. Several shootings have been reported recently, causing victims and injuries. Residents say the deteriorating security situation has increased the feeling of insecurity in the region.
